Washington United Methodists Listen to 'Voices We Need to Hear'

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EDMONDS, Wash. - Nearly 100 Edmonds United Methodist Church congregants and community members attended a forum on Jan. 22 called “Voices We Need to Hear.” The event was planned as a listening session between members of the community and representatives from Muslim, LGBTQ, immigrant, and communities of people of color.

Edmonds UMC serves the community of Edmonds, a suburb located 11 miles (18 km) north of Seattle in Snohomish County, Washington. The church provides a wide range of ministries to its immediate community, including a food bank, toy shop, tutoring program, cold weather shelter and a thrift store. In addition, the church participates in international mission such as this year’s planned trip to Guatemala, and in caregiving programs such as Stephen Ministries.

On Jan. 22, though, Edmonds UMC’s focus was on hearing from their neighbors who are potentially vulnerable to the dictates of the new U.S. federal administration. The event was also "live-tweeted" on Twitter at #voicesweneedtohear.

Michael Ramos, executive director of the Church Council of Greater Seattle, moderated the event, sharing the work of the council in the metropolitan area. The Council’s goal, like that of the Jan. 22 forum, is to bring together people of different perspectives to be reconciled with one another and then work together for justice and acts of compassion to serve the most vulnerable in our midst. Also in attendance was Edmonds City Councilman Dave Teitzel, who shared (to applause) the council’s recent vote to become a safe city where all visitors and residents could expect a safe, hate-free environment.

Josefina [whose last name was withheld for her safety], a U.S. green card holder of Zapotec indigenous descent from Oaxaca, Mexico, shared her extraordinary story of escaping an abusive home, life-threatening poverty, and involuntary child servitude. At 12, she fled to the city, where she endured homelessness and discrimination. With little education, limited Spanish, and no job prospects, she faced the life-or-death choice of starving in Oaxaca [pronounced “wah-hock-ah”] or making a dangerous journey to America. She described how deadly this journey was, and expressed her gratitude to God for bringing her here. She thanked Edmonds UMC in particular for providing support through the mobile health clinic, the food bank, a surgery, and getting her work visa papers and helping her find a home in our community. As soon as the forum finished, she immediately shared a tearful and heartfelt hug with Ron and Lynn Heitritter, who organized the Edmonds Mobile Health Clinic.

Hisham Farajallah, trustee of the Idris Mosque in Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood, spoke about how his group has turned outward to their community, particularly after the tragic events of 9/11, in order to create a welcoming space for all people to share in their worship. He offered an open door to all who wanted to contact the mosque and join their monthly barbecue and social time so that we could all learn more about each other. He reminded the audience that "Islam is a religion, not a culture." The cultural views held by some of its extremists do not represent Islam, he said, and certainly do not represent the ideals of Idris Mosque. He invited all to visit their community by calling and setting up a visit: http://www.idrismosque.com/visitmosque.html

Jessica Burwell, a congregant at Edmonds United Methodist Church, described her experiences being married to another woman with a child. She talked about the discomfort of being gay or lesbian in American society — especially in public.

"For the first time I'm living in real fear," she was quoted on Emonds' Twitter livestream.

Many people think of "coming out" as gay a one-time event, she said, but added that for her it was a daily event. She explained that everywhere someone who is LGBTQ goes, they have to worry about how that status will cause others to treat them. She described the grief and fear she experienced immediately after the 2016 election, and the great anxiety in the LGBTQ community about how they will be treated now in America.

Ms. Burwell recommended action with compassion, even towards those with whom we disagree. "My advice is to be kind. Be fierce. Stand up for justice,” she said. “But be kind."

Audience members said they found the stories powerful and moving, while the tone of the event was deeply respectful and forward-looking. Sixty people signed up to help speak out for those at the margins through future talks and events focused on compassion, reconciliation, and action.

Edmonds United Methodist church describes itself as “a radically inclusive faith community committed to welcoming all in our midst to worship, serve, and grow together.” More information on the church or additional actions going forward can be directed to Corinne Travis at cmgtravis@gmail.com or by calling the church at (425) 778-2119. 

Greg McLaughlin serves as director of youth ministries at Edmonds United Methodist Church.